11-Day Historical Ethiopia Tour – Lodge Safari through the Northern Highlands
Experience the cultural and spiritual wonders of Northern Ethiopia on this Historical Ethiopia Tour. This unforgettable 11-day journey takes you from Addis Ababa to the ancient cities of Gondar and Lalibela, through the dramatic landscapes of the Simien Mountains and the serene shores of Lake Tana. Discover Ethiopia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, centuries-old rock-hewn churches, royal castles, and vibrant local traditions, all while enjoying comfortable lodge accommodations.
Quick Overview of the 11-Day Historical Ethiopia Tour
- Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
- Day 2: Drive to Debre Markos via Blue Nile Gorge & Debre Libanos Monastery
- Day 3: Travel to Bahir Dar – Visit Blue Nile Falls
- Day 4: Explore Lake Tana Monasteries & Drive to Gondar
- Day 5: Historical Sites of Gondar
- Day 6: Simien Mountains National Park
- Day 7: Scenic Drive to Lalibela
- Day 8: Discover the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
- Day 9: Visit Asheton Maryam Monastery & Traditional Coffee Ceremony
- Day 10: Drive through Wollo Highlands to Kombolcha
- Day 11: Return to Addis Ababa & Farewell Dinner
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. Tour the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Merkato, and take in panoramic views from Mount Entoto.
Accommodation: Jupiter International Hotel or similar
Day 2: Addis Ababa to Debre Markos
Journey into the Ethiopian Highlands via the scenic Blue Nile Gorge. Visit the historic Debre Libanos Monastery and, if time allows, the Portuguese Bridge.
Accommodation: Gozamen Hotel or similar
Day 3: Debre Markos to Bahir Dar
Travel to Bahir Dar on the shores of Lake Tana. Explore the impressive Blue Nile Falls and visit the colorful Bahir Dar market before sunset at Bezawit Hill.
Accommodation: Abyminch Lodge or similar
Day 4: Bahir Dar to Gondar
Take a boat trip to Lake Tana’s ancient monasteries including Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Mariam. Continue by road to the historic city of Gondar.
Accommodation: Goha Hotel or similar
Day 5: Explore Gondar
Visit the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), Fasilidas’s Pool, Debre Birhan Selassie Church, and Empress Mentewab’s palace at Kuskuam.
Accommodation: Goha Hotel or similar
Day 6: Simien Mountains National Park
Day trip to the Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for dramatic landscapes and endemic wildlife like gelada baboons and Walia ibex.
Accommodation: Goha Hotel or similar
Day 7: Gondar to Lalibela
Drive through the scenic Wollo Highlands to reach Lalibela, home to Ethiopia’s most iconic rock-hewn churches.
Accommodation: Roha Hotel or similar
Day 8: Lalibela Churches
Explore the UNESCO-listed churches carved from solid rock including Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, and the iconic Bet Giyorgis in the shape of a cross.
Accommodation: Roha Hotel or similar
Day 9: Asheton Maryam & Coffee Ceremony
Ride muleback to Asheton Maryam Monastery perched above Lalibela. In the afternoon, experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
Accommodation: Roha Hotel or similar
Day 10: Lalibela to Kombolcha
Travel through the remote Wollo Mountains to reach Kombolcha. Enjoy the views and learn more about Ethiopian rural life along the way.
Accommodation: Sunnyside Hotel or similar
Day 11: Return to Addis Ababa
Drive back to Addis Ababa. End your Historical Ethiopia Tour with a farewell dinner featuring traditional food and cultural dancing. Airport transfer provided after dinner.
Important Notes
- Accommodation: Comfortable lodges and hotels throughout
- Tour Type: Lodge Safari – fully guided
- Child Policy: This tour is not suitable for children
This Historical Ethiopia Tour offers the perfect blend of cultural immersion, spiritual heritage, and dramatic landscapes – ideal for those seeking an in-depth exploration of Ethiopia’s northern circuit.